(Honolulu) - Hawai‘i is known around the world as a tropical destination that boasts pleasant weather year round. Living in such a lush and green environment, the demand for landscape technicians is on the rise. Helping to meet this industry demand is Leeward Community College’s Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (OCEWD). Beginning in February 2014 they will offer a new course – Basic Training in Landscape Maintenance and Installation.

Green Industry Pro magazine’s Fall 2012 Landscape Contractor’s Business Outlook showed that 53% of companies expect to be more profitable in 2013 recording increases in lawn care providers, irrigation, maintenance and installation. The need for qualified and highly trained landscape technicians is on the rise.

The 48-hour course will be delivered through a series of classes from February 13 - May 15 and has a participant cost of $450. The course blends classroom learning with hands-on experience, based on the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Training manual. Students will learn:

Landscape maintenance equipment safety

Safety, health and personal protective equipment

Address and prevent common accidents and injuries

Read and understand a landscape plan

Identify common landscape plants and pests

Repair and maintain irrigation systems

Assess soil problems and select proper amendments

Softscape installation

Properly install and maintain ornamentals and turf

Identify sustainable landscape maintenance practices

The course is intended to provide entry level students with a good fundamental background in landscape maintenance, and may be used as an excellent study guide for experienced landscapers preparing to take the Landscape Industry Certified Technician (LICT) exam series that aims to raise industry standards by upgrading the status of landscape professionals in the areas of installation, maintenance and irrigation.

Interested individuals must have a minimum of 8th grade math and reading level and will be assessed to determine eligibility. For those who may not meet the entrance requirements will be able to take a free support program designated to prepare individuals. For more information please visit www.ocewd.org/landscape-training or contact OCEWD at 455-0477.

This training was made available as part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College Career Training Grant, better known as C3T Hawai‘i.

C3T Hawai‘i is a $24.6 million grant awarded to the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges through the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. The grant will fuel the development of education and training curriculum and student academic/career coaching, which targets certificate and degree programs specific to the needs of agriculture, energy and health industries. These industry-focused, employer-driven programs are designed to increase college completion rates and provide job opportunities to the C3T participants.